Deccan Odyssey

Composed, there are 300 years of seven islands, Mumbai is now the financial capital of India. Board the “Deccan Odyssey” in the afternoon at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, undoubtedly one of the most famous Bombay Gothic buildings and an integral part of the city.

Malvan is a small historic town in Sindhudurg district known for the Fort of the same name built on a rocky island. Dating from 1664, it has a structure made of stone, iron and lead which lookinnovative. Tarkali, nearby, is famous for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. The creeks are home to many species of resident and migratory birds and a rich and diverse aquatic life. After lunch, free time to enjoy this idyllic place. The next stop is the village of Dhamapur for a tour of cashews plants. Then the ancient temple of Goddess Bhagawati Devi and Bharadi located on the shores of a lake. This is Kudal which is reached by train for the night. Dinner on board.

Welcome to Goa, the land of the most beautiful sandy beaches of India, lush hills, imposing churches and elegant mansions, illuminated by the bright colors of bougainvillea. In the distant past, Goa was ruled by the Portuguese, who reigned the city for nearly four and a half centuries, their influence is still visible in the civil and religious architecture and culture of this city also became endormie.Goa an attractive destination for tourists seeking beaches and culture and for professionals who combine seminars, workshops and relaxation. Visit Goa and Panaji the capital. Back on board for lunch. Afternoon rest and relaxation. Dinner at a restaurant by the sea and return to the train for the night.

Visit Mahalasa temple, one of the most popular temples of Goa. In the center is a pillar surrounded by rings where 150 lamps that are lit with wicks soaked in oil for the holidays. There you can also see a magic show. Then the temple of Mangesh amid pleasant surroundings which attracts hundreds of tourists from all over India and abroad. Then the spice farm in Ponda Villa, one of the largest firm of its kind in the country. Discover hundreds of grasses and shrubs used in both cooking and in traditional medicine varieties. Typical lunch in the farm. Visit the  Branganza Meneses house, a 16th century not far from the farm. Return to the train for dinner.

Arrival at Kolhapur, a city that has many facets located on the banks of the river Panchaganga. The city, from it’s mythical past,  has survived various legendary rulers: Satavahana kings, the Shilaharas, the Marathas and the British have left their mark here. First Stop in the New Palace, an architectural wonder built in 1881 which houses the Chhatrapati Shahu Museum. You can see the property of the former Maharaja. Bhavani Mandap and the (City Hall) followed by a visit to the Mahalakshmi Mandir, a complex of temples artfully assembled. Road to Shalini Palace, on the shore of Lake Rankala to attend a performance of locally known as traditional martial arts “Mardani Khel.” Kolhapur is known for its textiles and saris in particular, but is most famous for its jewelry. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon on board as the train goes to Aurangabad via Pune.

After breakfast on the train, drive to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its time that still stands tall and proud above the plain of the Deccan head. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad or the “City of Fortune.” On to the Ellora caves, a World Heritage Site by Unesco located only 26 km from Aurangabad. It is believed that caves were the work of priests and pilgrims traveling on this trade route. Abandoned and forgotten for several centuries, the 34 rock caves were dug in the vertical part of an escarpment and are among the finest in India. Return to Aurangabad for lunch and then on to the Bibi Ka Maqbara, built in the late 17th century by the son of Emperor Aurangzeb in honor of his mother. It is a replica of the Taj Mahal, the only piece of Mughal architecture in the Deccan Plateau. Back to train at Aurangabad station and dinner on board.

Arrival at Bhusawal and drive to the Ajanta caves in the valley of Waghora. Older than those of Ellora, 200 BC. BC and 650 AD, they were Tillered in volcanic rocks. Lost sight since the 7th century, they were discovered by accident during a hunt organized by British officers in 1819. The Buddhist nature, caves celebrating “the birth of Buddha” and “the thousand Buddhas” are among the most sensitive never found. The ceiling paintings leave blissful admiration of visitors. Back to the train journey to Jalgaon and Nashik. Welcome with garlands at the station and transfer to the ancient temples located on the Panchvati Ghats. Fervor assured. After the visit, return to the train and travel to the future and the modern world in Mumbai, a city of contrasts.

Sunrise over Mumbai and its bay. After breakfast, arrive at the station Chhatrapati Shivaji and landing.